Mayor warns residents to prepare for storms

Cr Newman said storm season was known to occur as early as September and people needed to start looking at ways to protect themselves from severe weather including damaging winds, hail and heavy rain.

Council has invested $18.4 million for local and major drainage reconstruction, $2 million for sea and river walls rehabilitation, and $750,000 to support the Brisbane City SES Unit, this year.

“Each year, Council invests millions of dollars into preparing the city for severe weather, but residents must also do their bit to ensure their home and family are ready too,” Cr Newman said.

The Lord Mayor said it was as simple as cleaning up your yard and signing up for Brisbane’s free Early Warning Alert Service in order to prepare your family and home for severe storms.

“It’s important that residents trim tree branches well clear of their house, clean gutters and downpipes, and check their roof and skylights are in good condition,” he said.

“When a storm approaches, make sure you secure any loose items in your yard such as kids’ toys and outdoor furniture, shelter and secure pets, put vehicles under cover if possible and tune into your local radio station for updates.”

Cr Newman said nearly 12,000 households had registered for the Early Warning Alert Service since its launch last December.

“By signing up to the Early Warning Alert Service, you will receive an alert by email, SMS or landline that severe weather may affect your residential address.”

Council also has the ability to add severe weather warnings and information to its free brisbanecity.mobi service within minutes 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Lord Mayor also encouraged residents to get a FloodWise Property Report, download the Flood Flag map for their suburb and get an emergency kit ready.

“The FloodWise Property Report and Flood Flag maps are free and useful tools available via Council’s website that help residents to find out how flooding may affect their property,” Cr Newman said.

“An emergency kit is also a good thing to have ready to go. This should contain a torch, portable radio, spare batteries, first aid kit, emergency contact numbers and important documents such as insurance papers.”

For more information on preparing for storm season, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or phone Council on 3403 8888.